The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation met at the Edo Heritage Hotel & Suites, Benin City, Edo State on Tuesday, 17th December 2019 to deliberate on important issues in Nigerian Football and resolved as follows:
1. The Executive Committee heaped plaudits on His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and the Federal Government as a whole for tremendous financial and moral support, as well as encouragement, of the various National Teams in their programmes and activities, as well as the institution of deliberate policies that create a conducive environment for football to thrive.
2. In view of the high importance of the Super Eagles qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, Board resolved to work assiduously, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, to see that all hands are on deck to accomplish this mission. The NFF President was mandated to meet formally with the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Sunday Dare with a view to charting the right course on the matter and putting the project in hard focus.
3. The Committee rued the unimpressive outing of the U17 and U20 National Teams in global championships this year, as well as the non-qualification of the Super Falcons and the U23 men team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It resolved that henceforth, players, coaches and backroom staff of National Teams would be tasked to work much harder in their different positions to bring honour to the country from any international match/championship. Board was particularly unhappy about the performances of the Super Falcons and the U23 boys despite the active and tremendous support and encouragement of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports.
4. Related to the unimpressive outing of the Beach Soccer National Team, Supersand Eagles, at the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay last month, Board unanimously resolved to put on hold Nigeria’s participation in international beach soccer tournaments until such a time that certain benchmarks, most importantly the creation and sustenance of a beach soccer league in the country, are met. A five-man committee headed by Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi and including Mallam Shehu Dikko, Alh. Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu and Dr. Mohammed Sanusi was put in place to determine the modalities and guidelines, and to encourage States wishing to launch full-steam beach soccer leagues and compete among themselves or internationally.
5. The Board approved a fresh, five-year contract for the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, with effect from January 1, 2020, while a four-year contract (with the first year being probationary) was approved for the Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme. The Board also congratulated Messrs Ayobola Oyeyode and Lawrence Katken on being the first members of Staff in the history of the NFF to attain full directorship in the Federal Civil Service.
6. Executive Committee approved the 2018 Financial Statement and the proposed 2020 Budget of the Federation, with the sum of N7.5billion earmarked for total expenditure of the Federation in the year 2020.
7. Board also mandated the Secretariat to ensure the publication in at least four (4) National newspapers, of the audited account of the Federation for the year 2018.
8. The Committee praised the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and his administration for hosting the Retreat for Chairmen of Nigerian Football and the 75th Annual General Assembly of the NFF, and also for visible and extensive investment in the sports sector.
IN ATTENDANCE: Amaju Melvin Pinnick (President); Seyi Akinwunmi (1st Vice President); Shehu Dikko (2nd Vice President); Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Member); Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Member); Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member); Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Member); Musa A. Duhu (Member); Ganiyu Majekodunmi (Member); Emmanuel Ibah (Member); Chidi Ofo Okenwa (Member); Aisha Falode (Member); Mohammed Alkali (Member); Mohammed Sanusi (Secretary)
ABSENT WITH APOLOGY: Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member); Babagana Kalli (Member)
